Student finance:
University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship
The University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship is available to support
talented PhD students who are looking to study within the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is top in the UK for social science research
(2008 Research Assessment Exercise). We boast an outstanding international research
reputation and are home to some of the most highly-rated departments and research
centres in the country.
The scholarship is available to all students (Home, EU and Overseas) applying
for PGR study and is made up of the following awards:
- Doctoral Scholarship
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Scholarship
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship
- Research Assistantship
Regulations governing the Social Science Research Scholarship (.pdf)
How much are the scholarships worth?
The University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship is made up of
four awards to support PhD students during their time of study. Applicants
will be considered for any of the following awards:
Doctoral Scholarship
The Doctoral Scholarship is a full scholarship that covers fees,
provides £12,000 stipend for each year of the three years of study and
£750 research allowance over the life of the PhD.
GTA Scholarship
The GTA Scholarship is a £4,000 scholarship in year one of the PhD and
a teaching assistant post in the Department, worth in the region of £3,500
(available in years two and three of the PhD).
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship offers students a teaching assistant
post in the Department worth in the region of £3,000 (available in years
one, two and three).
Research Assistantship
The Research Assistantship offers students a research assistant post
in the Department worth in the region of £1,500 (available in years one,
two and three).
You are invited to indicate on your application form if you do not
wish to be considered for one or more of the awards.
Am I eligible for a scholarship?
This scholarship is available for students wishing to study for a PhD
in the Departments of Economics, Government,
Language and Linguistics, Sociology and the
Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies. Students wishing to study with
the Institute for Social and Economic Research
should visit their website.
Scholarships are available to all students (Home/EU and Overseas) studying on a
full-time or part-time basis at the University of Essex.
To be eligible to apply you must hold an offer from the University of Essex for a PhD.
You must be applying for a new programme of study, starting in October 2012, at the
University of Essex in order to be eligible for the University of Essex Social Science
Research Scholarship. Students who are already completing one degree at Essex wish to
apply for support for another are eligible to apply.
How can I apply?
Once you have received an offer from the University of Essex to study for a PhD,
please complete the application form and submit it, along with your
research proposal and reference, to the Graduate Administrator in the academic
department which you are applying to study in by 31 March 2012.
Applications can be made via e-mail or by post. Please see the department website
for contact details.
If you have any questions about the application process, please e-mail
scholarships@essex.ac.uk.
If you have applied for an ESRC DTC +3 award you are not required to complete an
application form for the University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship
(you will automatically be considered).
How are candidates selected?
University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarships support talented postgraduate
students who can demonstrate an excellent academic background and the potential for
future achievement, as well as financial need. Candidates who satisfy the above criteria,
and who have received an offer of admission, will be selected for the award of a
scholarship on the following criteria:
Academic ability
Based on previous academic qualifications. Normally a first class Bachelor's degree
or high 2.1 or equivalent, and/or Master's degree with distinction or merit.
For the GTA Scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship awards, candidates may be
asked to demonstrate (via interview) their teaching ability.
Research potential
Based on your research proposal submitted with your application, as well as your
statement on the scholarship application form. Departments will take into account
the fit of the proposed project with their own research strategy. You are encouraged
to make contact with the Department directly to discuss your proposal.
Financial need
Based on evidence provided on the scholarship application form. You should provide
evidence that you have applied for financial support from other sources. In the case of
UK/EU applicants you should have applied for research council funding. Where a student
applies for and is awarded a University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship
and subsequently obtains full external funding, the University will rescind the
Scholarship offer. Where partial external funding is obtained, the department may choose
to continue, reduce or rescind the Scholarship offer as it sees fit.
When are successful candidates notified?
Successful candidates will normally be notified by 30 April 2012. Formal notification
of a Scholarship award will be sent from the Graduate Admissions Office.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions about the scholarship please contact the Graduate
Administrator in the relevant department/centre:
Disclaimer
The information set out above is correct at the date of publication (December 2011).
The University of Essex reserves the right to make changes to the University of Essex
Scholarships schemes and will notify any such changes to applicants as appropriate.